Got My Hairs Did

Mum didn’t tell me what was about to happen.  I was thrilled to be heading to the car, oddly, at 9AM on a Sunday.  Perhaps another park trip?  Or just some more car-experience time for us?

But no.  I was heading back to Lather, the place where they trim my nails.  Now I like it once I’m inside (lots of dogs, nice people, smells right), but getting from the car into the shop is torture for me.  I’m still mighty frightened of busy streets, and even a quick run across the sidewalk from the car to the door causes much anxiety.  This time it took me 5 tries – jumping out of the car, realizing where I was, jumping back into the car – before mum grabbed my harness and escorted me (a little bodily, for my taste) into the shop.  It was only about 15 minutes later that she realized she had left the car door open in her haste and stress of getting me into the shop (but the receptionist was kind to close it for her!).  Oopsie.

Once inside however, I got to see Alison, my groomer and last toe-clipper.  I like her a lot, she’s kind to me and makes me feel a bit calm amongst the chaos of a grooming salon.  We wasted no time and suddenly I was picked up and placed on the grooming table, fastened by two places so that I won’t jump and/or fall off, and we were off to the grooming races.  A bit of fluff removal, then on to a full bath (NOT my favorite thing in the world, and boy was she thorough), and then back to the table for an entire fuzz removal.  Mum started out holding me, then I saw her back away slowly during the process.  Supposedly this was to see how well I did, and to help me gain confidence, but we ALL know that it was because she was scared to see her baby boy turn into a young man as well as incredibly nervous about how this was all gonna go down.  She had nothing to fear, as I was a good boy mostly, and only gave Alison a little trouble when she wanted to trim up my toes and of course, my fine ‘stache and beard.  Never had anyone do that before.

Once all was done, I got a little playtime with the other spa-going dogs, which was fun, and a spiffy new red polka dot bandana.  And the bag of cheese that she had brought – JUST IN CASE.

I must say that I do look great.  Really, really different and “adult”.  Not to mention that it feels much cooler all over which is kind of nice.  This grooming thing might not be so bad.

Love,

Otto Fizz